Gateshead manager Gary Mills says his players were taught a harsh lesson in finishing by West Bromwich Albion in their FA Cup third-round defeat.

The game ended 7-0 but the Premier League Baggies did not have a shot until they went ahead on 42 minutes.

Heed's John Oster had previously missed a glorious chance for the Conference side when he skied over from 12 yards.

"If you give the ball away against a team of that quality, then you get punished," Mills told BBC Newcastle.

"It really is as simple as that."

Gary Mills' Gateshead held Premier League West Brom until late in the first half

Baggies striker Saido Berahino scored four goals in the rout, with Victor Anichebe, Chris Brunt and James Morrison also getting on the scoresheet.

Gateshead were playing in the FA Cup third round for the first time since 1955 when they lost 2-0 at home to a Tottenham Hotspur side containing Spurs legend Danny Blanchflower and Alf Ramsey, who went on to manage England to World Cup glory in 1966.

"I'm gutted to go out like we did, it's obviously never a nice way for things to end," added Mills.

"But we should be proud of that first 40 minutes, where we took on a Premier League team and held our own."